Holiday Harmony

The Youth for Youth Holiday Concert Shines Bright in Las Vegas

By Laura Henkel

The holidays are a time for community, compassion and celebration, and few events embody this spirit better than the Youth for Youth Holiday Concert. Held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Clark High School, the annual fundraiser organized by 17-year-old Roxy Jones and her younger sister Skai brought together music lovers and philanthropists alike for an afternoon of joy, talent and generosity.

Founded by Roxy and co-chaired by Skai, the Youth for Youth Holiday Concert allows young musicians to showcase their talents while raising funds for underserved youth in Las Vegas. Over the past three years, the sisters have raised close to $100,000 for local causes. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada, addressing critical needs such as gym air conditioning and the Forgotten Song Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to the next generation of artists, musicians and dancers.

The program embodied the enthusiasm of youth, the cheerfulness of bright futures, and the comforting reminder that goodness can start at any age. Attendees were treated to a stunning display of youthful artistry with all of the musicians, except Roxy’s piano teacher Natalya Panchenko, under 17.

Charles and Jun Hong, 13-year-old twin brothers, performed a lively piano performance of “Linus and Lucy.” Their energy was infectious, with attendees smiling broadly, refraining from dancing in the aisles only out of decorum.

Oboe player Alexander Vakov, a 17-year-old prodigy set to join Roxy at Yale University in fall 2025, joined her on stage for beautiful piano and oboe duets that mesmerized the audience. Skai also took the stage, performing Tchaikovsky’s “Canzonetta” Andante on the violin with grace and poise, further demonstrating the incredible talent of the performers.

Each performance, from cherished melodies to classical masterpieces, brought the audience deeper into the holiday spirit. The student musicians’ dedication and artistry filled the auditorium with a sense of wonder and joy, reminding everyone of the power of music to connect and uplift.

The event also hosted a raffle with an impressive array of prizes. In addition to Chic Compass magazine, generous contributions from The Killers, Vic’s Las Vegas, Allegiant Airlines, Anne Fontaine, the Nevada Ballet Theatre, Cashman Photo Enterprises and Hyatt Place, among others, ensured something was exciting for everyone. These contributions reflected the strong community support for the concert and its mission.

The event’s success greatly benefits Roxy and Skai’s vision and commitment. Inspired by her summer internship with the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada as a Bank of America student leader, Roxy shifted the concert’s focus this year to address local needs. “This event is about more than just music,” Roxy shared. “It’s about creating opportunities for kids who need them the most and using our talents to make a difference.”

A highlight of the afternoon was a surprise video message from Clark High School alumnus Jimmy Kimmel, who encouraged attendees to “give, give, give” and congratulated Roxy on her acceptance to Yale University on a full scholarship. Emcee Stacey Gualandi kept the audience energized with her vibrant personality and fun outfit changes, ensuring the event was as entertaining as it was inspiring.

The concert concluded on a high note, with Skai expressing their hopes to expand the event in the years to come. “Knowing that we’re making a difference for kids in our community makes all the hard work worthwhile,” she said. The event left attendees feeling good about life, hope and the power of community. Indeed, the Youth for Youth Holiday Concert has grown into a cherished holiday tradition, blending artistry and altruism to embody the season’s true spirit.

For those who missed this year’s event, there’s no need to wait until next December to get involved. Visit the Youth for Youth Holiday Concert website to learn more and support this inspiring initiative. As the event evolves, one thing is clear: the Youth for Youth Holiday Concert isn’t just spreading holiday cheer—it’s building a brighter future for Las Vegas youth.